* (Proposed Trade)
*Oakland trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#5 Overall), 2014 2nd Rounder (#36 Overall), 2015 1st Rounder, 2015 2nd Rounder
Houston Trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#1 Overall)
#1: Oakland Raiders: DE-Jadeveon Clowney
The
Raiders have been stuck in a rut of poor-to-at best, mediocre seasons
over the past decade. Al Davis was famous and successful for making
huge, bold moves like the one I'm proposing here. Giving up a future
1st, 2nd, and current 2nd Rounder to move up four spots seems
ridiculous, but its exactly the kind of ransom Bill O'Brien will be
seeking to watch Clowney suit up for any other NFL team than Houston. * (Proposed Trade)
*Detroit trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#10 Overall), 2014 2nd Rounder (#45 Overall), 2014 4th Rounder (#111 Overall), 2014 4th Rounder (#136 Overall)
St. Louis Trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#2 Overall), 2014 5th Rounder (#153 Overall), 2014 6th Rounder (#214 Overall)
#2: Detroit Lions: WR-Sammy Watkins
The
Rams are sick and tired of wondering if Sam Bradford is the answer at
quarterback, but have to take the bait when the Lions desperately pull
off a move to try and appease both of the team's superstars: Matthew
Stafford and Calvin Johnson.After initially calling teams in the 6-9
range trying to move up to take Mike Evans and scoffing at the price,
they decide they aren't content with just the tip (of the iceberg of
course, nothing else) and push the whole stack in to pair Watkins with
Megatron. The move also allows the Lions to place Tate in the slot and
become their version of how Wes Welker is used for the Broncos, a role I
believe he could flourish in.
#3: Jacksonville Jaguars: LB-Khalil Mack
Gus
Bradley is a Seattle defensive coach in background who had repeatedly
stated his desire to transform the Jags into "the Seattle of the South",
and he knows better than anyone that starts with the defense. Mack has
the potential and tools to become an immediate difference-maker on a
Jaguars defense that has already taken many steps in the right direction
on that side of the ball. Plus, a hidden agenda that they can't
publicly state, but are truly smiling about: the Jaguars are bringing
tanking to the NFL. Not addressing the offense this year basically
ensures them a great chance at one of the top quarterbacks in next
year's class (i.e. Winston, Mariota, or Petty)
#4: Cleveland Browns: QB-Johnny Manziel
The
Browns do what they have done so many times over the last few years:
over reach for a name, not quarterback and then immediately place him in
a position to fail miserably. This year, the flop of a quarterback is
the biggest enigma to be draft-eligible since Timmy Tebow. Like him or
hate him, "Johnny Football" is at least exciting to watch. I personally
have stated many times that I don't think his game will translate to the
NFL; only time will tell if I'm right or his crazy antics will be
widely accepted because of the pure magic he can create at times on the
football field.
#5: Houston Texans: QB-Blake Bortles
Jadeveon
Clowney would have looked pretty formidable lining up on the opposite
side of the defensive line of JJ Watt, but this is the kind of trade
that can turn a under-performing franchise into a dominant one if they
carefully craft their stockpile of draft pick selections accumulated
from this deal. Bill O'Brien once coached under current UCF coach,
George O'Leary, so he clearly has all means possible to get a trusted
adviser's opinion on him as well as a complete scouting report. I think
that line of familiarity combined with the fear of missing out on the
big few quarterbacks in this draft lead the Texans to be extremely happy
with their decision to move down 4 spots, pick up a wealth of future
picks, and still come away with the guy they will tab as their
quarterback of the future as Bortles has all of the intangibles teams
look for in a leader.
#6: Atlanta Falcons: OT-Greg Robinson
The
Falcons are clearly the winner and come out on top of all of the
shocking movement early in the draft. They start off Thursday afternoon
and early night arguing about whether to trade down or "settle" for
Taylor Lewan or Jake Matthews. Instead, around 8:40pm, they look around,
try to awkwardly hide their excitement and squeak in their voices
around the "War Room" and turn in the pick for Robinson in
record-setting time. Atlanta comes away with quite possibly the biggest
impact player at a key position (and one of need for ATL no less)
wrapped and topped with a very large-sized bow.* (Proposed Trade)
*Tennessee trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#11 Overall), 2014 2nd Rounder (#42 Overall)
Tampa Bay Trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#7 Overall)
#7: Tennessee Titans: DT-Aaron Donald
Tennessee
moves up and secures the crucial defensive line clogger they need to
ensure the success of the defensive scheme transitioning to the 3-4
system. Donald not only will command double-teams and stuff the run, but
his greatest asset is the pressure he creates and puts on opposing
offenses and more specifically, quarterbacks. An underrated player
coming off an incredible (yet somehow relatively quiet) season with
Pittsburgh, Donald could very well end up being this class' version of
Haloti Ngata when we look back in five or six years.-Editor's Note: Now, being honest, this is more of what I would like to see the Bucs do than what I actually think so it very well could change as this week passes and the draft creeps closer and closer. As of right now, I would be inclined to agree with virtually every other analyst out there and predict the Bucs take Vincent Jackson's heir apparent in Mike Evans, but hey-I'm trying to spice things up.
* (Proposed Trade)
*New York (G) trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#12 Overall), 2014 3rd Rounder (#74 Overall), 2014 4th Rounder (#114 Overall)
Minnesota Trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#8 Overall), 2014 5th Rounder (#148 Overall)
#8: New York Giants: WR-Mike Evans
The
Giants are ready and willing to sit back and take the best player
available out of the group of Eric Ebron, CJ Mosley, and Taylor Lewan or
Jake Matthews. However, when they see new Buccaneers GM Jason Licht
make what they think could be the mistake of the draft by passing on
Evans; they feel they have to pounce and capitalize. Evans gives Eli the
long-term replacement (and in my opinion, upgrade) to what the ghost of
Hakeem Nicks gave them last year. The thinking here: defensive
coordinators will be forced to choose bewteen doubling Victor Cruz or
the physical specimen of the young Evans.
#9: Buffalo Bills: OT-Taylor Lewan
Buffalo
fans surely won't be happy to see their team draft a tackle with so
many exciting skill-position players left on the board, but they truly
should be. Like it or not, the Bills gambled big last year on EJ Manuel
and Doug Marrone's options are basically limited to admitting last
year's draft was a complete and utter failure, or building for the
future by adding a potential cornerstone left-tackle for the franchise
while protecting Manuel and keeping him healthy enough to at least see
if he has what it takes to be successful in this league. (He was injured
three separate times last season each causing him to miss at least one
start each).
#10: St. Louis Rams: OT-Jake Matthews
I
don't think the Rams love trading down or anything; I just think
they're willing and open to taking advantage of teams looking to make
desperation deals. The Rams are still reaping the benefits of the
Redskins trade for RGIII and will continue to add talent to a team that
just may be as deep and as skilled as any in the league. St. Louis comes
out of this deal smelling like roses as they still end up with a top
three left tackle while exchanging a 5th and 6th rounder for an extra
2nd, and two 4th Rounder's. Matthews is the best player available and
fills a need at a critical position. The Rams continue to draft
incredibly well, something that goes largely unnoticed as they are stuck
playing the toughest division in the NFL. 
#11: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: TE-Eric Ebron
After
the trade of Mike Williams to Buffalo nearly everyone is assuming and
slotting in Mike Evans to Tampa at #7 overall. I think the Bucs address
the lack of playmakers for whomever emerges as the starting quarterback
for them (Glennon or McCown) in both the first and second rounds, but
choose to strategically focus on both quantity and quality as they pick
up an extra 2nd Rounder by moving down 4 slots. Watching Jimmy Graham
repeatedly burn your defense twice a year eventually leads to your team
noticing the potential impact of an athletic tight-end and thats exactly
what the Bucs see in Ebron here. He will partner with the newly signed
Brandon Myers to give McCown (whom I predict will start) the best
opportunity to win, and to win right away.
#12: Minnesota Vikings: LB-CJ Mosley
Minnesota
knows that it is too early to take a middle linebacker in the
traditional value chart in the NFL unwritten draft rules. However, it
was too early when the Panthers took Luke Kuechly too. Basically, thats
what they see with this pick; a potential game-changer on the defensive
side of the ball that can become a Pro-Bowler as early as next season.
Moving down allows them to take their name out of the first-round
quarterback conversation after both Manziel and Bortles were off the
board and anytime they can add extra picks in a deep draft they jump at
the chance.
#13: St Louis Rams: S-Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
St.
Louis decides to follow their NFC divisional rival (and Super-Bowl
Champion) Seattle Seahawks mold of drafting a pairing of two talented,
young, hard-hitting safeties to roam and create plays in the defensive
backfield. TJ McDonald and and Clinton-Dix would add to what is already
widely considered one of the best team defenses in the league. The
Alabama connection and strong Nick Saban defensive back coaching is an
added bonus.* (Proposed Trade)
*New York (J) trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#18 Overall), 2014 3rd Rounder (#80 Overall)
Chicago Trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#14 Overall)
#14: New York Jets: WR-Odell Beckham Jr.
The
Jets are in the midst of a total revamping of their offensive unit.
Adding Michael Vick, Chris Johnson, and Eric Decker already, its clear
they have identified that side of the ball as their main area of
improvement (the understatement of the world). When they have the chance
to move up and get the top-rated player available at a position of need
is exactly the reason they wanted to come into this draft with so many
extra draft picks (12 picks total). Beckham pairs well with Decker as he
becomes the physical presence and Decker doesn't draw quite as much
attention across from him; drafting Beckham simply makes the Decker
signing a much better investment.
#15: Pittsburgh Steelers: CB-Darqueze Denard
The
Steelers' biggest need is definitely cornerback. Sometimes drafts just
seem to work out for some franchises almost unbelievably. That's what I
foresee this year as amazingly, the best cornerback of the draft somehow
falls to #15 overall after the Steelers assuredly entertain the idea of
trading up to get him only to see him eventually fall in their lap. The
Michigan St native beat up on B1G competition all year so Steelers'
fans will love this choice.
#16: Dallas Cowboys: DE/OLB-Anthony Barr
The
first big surprise and reach of the draft has to go to somebody; Jerry
Jones just kind of fits that bill, right? Jerry Jones seems to be a
great stadium builder and owner. General Manager though, not so much. He
seems to be continually grasping at straws in an effort to atone for
mistakes he has made in the past. In my line of thinking here the path
goes: 1-Sign DeMarcus Ware to too large of a contract, 2-Sign other
free agent players into too large of a contract in an effort to "Win
now" and not care about potential long-term salary cap ramifications,
3-Release Ware (arguably the best Cowboy in the past ten years) to even
get close to the salary cap, 4-Immediately try to replace him by
drafting Barr and reaching too high. Possible? Yes. Wise? No. But then
again, when do we usually put wise and Jerry Jones in the same sentence?
(Other than that one which I just wrote-way ironic huh)
#17: Baltimore Ravens: OT-Zack Martin
The
Ravens bid adieu to "The Blindside" this offseason in free agency and
needed to find a replacement. After sitting out the free agent spending
frenzy, they find themselves with the opportunity to draft an immediate
starter at Right Tackle. Without ideal height or wingspan, right tackle
projects better for him (if not guard) but movie or not, Zack Martin
would represent an upgrade at right tackle for Baltimore.
#18: Chicago Bears: CB-Justin Gilbert
The
Bears contemplated taking Gilbert at #14, but eventually decided to pick
up the extra draft pick and choose best player over position of need as
they feel strongly about their team's overall depth. However, the
following three picks all choose to pass on Gilbert, a long and athletic
corner who reminds me of Darrelle Revis (pre-surgery) on tape. Don't
get me wrong, do I think he will be even half the player Revis was
before tearing his ACL? No, probably not-but I do think he has the
potential to be a lockdown number 1 corner in this league for a long
time. * (Proposed Trade)
*Cleveland trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#26 Overall), 2014 2nd Rounder (#35 Overall)
Miami Trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#19 Overall), 2014 3rd Rounder (#81 Overall)
#19: Cleveland Browns: CB-Kyle Fuller
The
Browns need to find a way to better utilize Joe Haden as he is one of
the better defensive backs in the NFL. As it is, he doesn't see much of
the ball as opposing offenses gameplan to focus on opposite side of the
field. Although this is extremely beneficial to the Browns, they get
aggressive here in moving up to potentially find the partner they are
missing in Fuller for Haden. They don't lose any picks in the draft,
only move dwon from the 2nd to the 3rd Round in order to move up 7 spots
and secure the last cornerback they feel is worthy of making such a
move as they know Arizona picking at 20 is looking for defensive back
help. Verrett and Roby are seen as being on clear a notch below Fuller,
Gilbert, and Denard in this draft.
#20: Arizona Cardinals: S-Calvin Pryor
The
Cardinals were licking the chops after the Ravens selected Zack Martin.
They knew they were going to be able to secure one of three defensive
back difference makers still available after minor drops in the draft.
Gilbert, Fuller, and Pryor were all among their top 15 players coming
into this draft so knowing they were assured at least one of them
without having to move up to obtain them was golden in their eyes. Many
people see Derek Carr as a fit here, but I honestly think he'll be
available at #52 when they pick again in the 2nd round if they so choose
to go that route and secure Carson Palmer's successor.
#21: Green Bay Packers: LB/OLB-Ryan Shazier
The
Packers will no doubt perform their due diligence on Eric Ebron and
what it would take to move up to get him, but when Tampa takes him at
#11 (higher and earlier than the Packers were thinking) they decide the
bidding would be too rich for their taste. However, they feel
comfortable settling in at #21 and filling out their linebacking corps
with another Ohio state product here. After establishing a running game
last season, the Pack will now look to infuse some youth and talent into
the defense. If there were better offensive line options available to
them, that's another direction Green Bay could lead. 
#22: Philadelphia Eagles: WR-Brandin Cooks
Someone
might need to monitor Chip Kelly's heart rate when he sees Cooks fall
right into his lap at 22. Along with Robinson at #6, this would be the
best value selection of the draft. Cooks has the potential to become a
poor man's DeSean Jackson, and truthfully, more like middle-class man's
version of him. Lightning speed, great hands, and explosive after the
catch ability probably sound familiar to many Eagles fans. In a Chip
Kelly offense, Cooks would be among the leading contenders for offensive
rookie of the year.
#23: Kansas City Chiefs: WR-Marquise Lee
A
string of wide receivers starts with the Eagles selecting Cooks, a
treasure the Chiefs will surely try to move up and acquire. However,
Marquise Lee is a pretty impressive consolation prize. Lee is explosive
off the line, has strong hands, and is a playmaker in terms of both his
precise route-running and speed and shiftiness after the catch. Slotting
him across from Dwayne Bowe gives Alex Smith the complete trifecta of
Speed, possession, and running/screen game with Jamaal Charles. Andy
Reid will certainly be happy to add an offensive weapon to his arsenal
for next year and beyond. * (Proposed Trade)
*Miami trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#26 Overall)
Cincinnati Trades: 2014 1st Rounder (#24 Overall), 2014 4th Rounder (#116 Overall)
#24: Miami Dolphins: WR-Kelvin Benjamin
The
third straight wide receiver taken is actually taken by the Dolphins
who elect to move back up after trading down to nab Benjamin and provide
him with a downfield threat that will allow Mike Wallace to enjoy more
space and freedom as well as clear up the picture for Ryan Tannehill's
long term future with the club. He may not be upright this year, but
they figure he will at least have legitimate jump-ball candidates to
heave back-foot pressured throws to.
#25: San Diego Chargers: CB-Jason Verrett
The
next two selections are tricky as each team has needs at both corner
and wide receiver. As 5 of the last 7 selections have come from these
positional groups they know they must address at least one of the needs
and must decide what will be easier to acquire later in the draft. The
Chargers play the board and select Verrett here as this draft offers one
of the deepest wide receiver pools in recent memory.
#26: Cincinnati Bengals: DT/DE-Kony Early
The
Bengals wanted Verrett and believe Roby is too much of a reach in the
first round and ultimately elect to go another route completely. The
void left by Michael Johnson's departure to Tampa Bay is looming and the
Bengals tab Kony Early, the much lesser-known Missouri defensive
lineman in this draft class although he carries major upside and
potential. 
#27: New Orleans Saints: OT-Morgan Moses
Drew
Brees isn't getting any younger and still needs protection on both his
blindside and coming from the right tackle. Moses isn't a world-class
talent but will be a contributor from Day 1 and will bring the kind of
toughness and attitude that Sean Payton and Drew Brees demand of their
teammates. Big needs in the defensive backfield get pushed to the
back-burner here for best player available as Moses slips below a lot of
mock draft positions for him. 
#28: Carolina Panthers: WR-Cody Latimer
Cam
Newton is electric, but the Panthers no longer have any of his top
three receiving threats from last season still on the roster so receiver
is an incredibly big need moving forward. Latimer has the size and
speed combination that have given him a strong late push up draft
boards. His name will surprise many as he is a relative unknown, but it
shouldn't be for long because he has big play potential every snap. 
#29: New England Patriots: RB-Carlos Hyde
Bill
Belichick likes to make headlines come draft day and selecting a
running back in the first round would certainly do just that. Hyde
probably is and should be a first-round selection if not for the
magnitude of the decrease of the running back position in recent years.
Seemingly teams are finding more and more "next guy up" candidates who
are more than capable of sharing the load and workforce in both a more
economical and healthy alternative to the traditional one-back systems
that are seemingly being fazed out of the current NFL offensive
landscape.
#30: San Francisco 49ers: WR-Jordan Matthews
Jim
Harbaugh likes offense; its really a pretty simple concept. He built
his team on defense with an amazing linebacking corps, athletic
defensive line, and an aggressive defensive backfield that serves as the
backbone of the team identity. Ever since, he has gotten to tweak the
offense to his liking and add playmakers here and there whenever
presented with the chance. Matthews is more than a playmaker, however.
He is a rock-solid proven veteran of the SEC that a quarterback can
count on. Boldin is the perfect veteran to pair with him as he can
toughen Matthews up while teaching him the things that will take
Matthews game and perfect its transition into the NFL.
#31: Denver Broncos: CB-Bradley Roby
The
Broncos seemingly came out of the free agent season as the clear-cut
"winners". Adding Demarcus Ware, TJ Ward, Aquib Talib, and Emmanuel
Sanders seems unfair truly, but the Broncos now lack depth at a few key
positional groups. Corner is indeed one and they find a guy, who
although sometimes misguided (see OSU/Mich fight), has the physical
tools and potential to become great. Playing opposite Talib gives him
the added benefit from drawing teams second receivers as well. A good
fit and a good opportunity lead to a good selection here for the
Broncos. 
#32: Seattle Seahawks: DT-Timmy Jernigan
The
Seahawks are quickly becoming the model as to which every other NFL
franchise attempts to emulate. their draft success is key and has been
vital to their ascension to the upper echelon of the league. The
Seahwaks draft a player here in Jernigan who is a proven winner, comes
from a talent-rich program, and fills an area of need. At times,
Jernigan is seen going as early as 12th in mock drafts so it certainly
isn't a reach here, but instead more being great value. He replaces what
Clinton McDonald gave them last year who left through free agency and
adds another level of tenacity to the league's best defense.Wow, that took a while. If you've made it all the way through this and haven't dies, or hate me yet, I'm extremely impressed. Please comment and let me know what you think both agreeing and disagreeing with some of the decisions here. And check back because I'll be updating it a little at a time and most likely (hopefully) adding a 2nd/3rd Round in before Thursday night.
No comments:
Post a Comment